India tests K-4 nuclear-capable missile from INS Arighaat

India successfully conducted its test of a nuclear capable K-4 submarine launched ballistic missile from the recently commissioned submarine INS Arighaat which is nuclear-powered. The test was conducted off the coast of Visakhapatnam, in the Bay of Bengal. The K-4 is a solid fuelled missile which has a striking range of 3,500 km. It was launched from a 6000-tonne submarine. 

K-4 Missile Test 2024

The K-4 missile was launched as part of an exercise. Previously, the K-4 missile had only been tested using submersible pontoons, making this launch from an operational submarine a significant milestone for India’s naval capabilities.

Sources also revealed to TOI that the test results would be thoroughly analyzed to assess whether the missile achieved its intended performance parameters. The test followed India’s issuance of a public area warning and a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for an intermediate-range missile test in the Bay of Bengal, scheduled between November 27 and 30. This development is part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its strategic defence capabilities.

K-4 Missile Overview

The K-4 is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The K-4 is a variant of the land-based Agni-III missile, and is designed to arm India’s nuclear-powered submarines: 

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• Range- The K-4 has a range of 3,500 kilometers and can reach almost all of Pakistan and parts of China. 
• Size- The K-4 is 10 meters long, weighs 20 tonnes, and has a diameter of 1.3 meters. 
• Payload- The K-4 can carry a 2 tonne payload. 
• Guidance- The K-4 uses an inertial navigation system with GPS/NavIC satellite guidance for mid-course, and terrain contour matching for terminal guidance. 
• Engine- The K-4 has a two stage solid rocket motor and uses solid rocket propellant. 

INS Arighaat and its Strategic Importance

INS Arighaat, India’s second nuclear-powered submarine, bolsters the nation’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. Designed to carry nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles (SSBNs), it represents a significant upgrade over INS Arihant, the country’s first SSBN. While INS Arihant is equipped with K-15 missiles with a range of 750 km, INS Arighaat can deploy the more advanced K-4 missiles, capable of striking targets up to 3,500 km away.

K-4 Missile FAQs

Q1. What is the name of the K-4 missile?
Ans. The K-4 missile is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) developed by India.

Q2. What is the 4th nuclear submarine of India?
Ans. The 4th nuclear submarine is expected to be INS S4, currently under development.

Q3. What is the hypersonic missile UPSC?
Ans. A hypersonic missile is a missile that travels at speeds greater than Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound).

Q4. Which is India’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile?
Ans. The K-15 (Sagarika) is India’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile launched from submarines.

Q5. Who developed the K series SLBM?
Ans. The K-series SLBMs were developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India.

Q6. What does SSBN stand for?
Ans. SSBN stands for Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear.
Q7. What is the K-15 missile?
Ans. The K-15 missile, also known as Sagarika, is a submarine-launched ballistic missile with a range of 750 km.